APIs Alone Aren't Enough

Yes, we know: Your product has an API. Yawn. Sorry for not getting excited. That’s just table stakes now. What I’m interested in is the pre-written integrations and code you have that does useful things with that API.

Because sure, an API lets me integrate my various systems however I want. Theoretically. Just the same way that Bunnings probably sells me all the pieces I need to build a complete house.

Random aside: If your ‘open API’ requires signing an NDA to view details, then maybe it’s not so open after all?

If I’m running a small company staffed by developers, then just giving me an API is acceptable. But in a larger company, or one without developer resources, an API alone isn’t enough. I want to see standard, obvious integrations already available, and supported by the vendor.

This is exactly the sort of obvious integration I like to see offered by vendors. When there are clear links between your product and another popular product, then make it easy to connect them together! I still want the API hooks so I can do my own weird custom integration, but there should be minimal friction for the obvious integrations.

Disclosure: ThousandEyes was a sponsor of Network Field Day 8. This meant that they in part paid for my costs to attend that event. This post isn’t really about them specifically, but hey, I like to be open about my possible influences.